5 Easy Backyard Oasis Ideas to Create Your Dream Space
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When the weather starts to warm, we can’t help but start planning all the backyard dinner parties, new garden ideas, family barbecues, and all the fun in the sun in-between. But as we get more inclined to chill outdoors, you might find that you’re itching for a backyard revamp to set the tone for the alfresco activities ahead. The dog days of summer call for the coolest outdoor setup, which is why we’re here with easy steps to turn your backyard into an outdoor oasis.
We spoke with entrepreneur Heather Tierney about her beautiful desert-cool Venice backyard, and she gave us five creative, easy tips that’ll help you build your own chic outdoor layout in no time. And we’ll be the first to say: It sounds more intimidating than it is. You don’t have to be a landscape architect to turn your patio or yard into a beautiful space to relax. In fact, you’ll be surprised at how far a few simple changes will go in making your outdoor area a success. Snag Tierney’s laid-back, stylish, and welcoming backyard oasis ideas below.
1. Get Growing
You don’t have to go all-out on landscaping to bring some life into your space. Fill the corners of your patio with clusters of potted plants instead for an easy DIY. Start with tall, statement-making greenery or easy-to-grow flowers, and then fill in the gaps with smaller pots. A mix of colors and textures adds personality and interest, and you can easily rearrange your plants for a new look whenever you feel like it. If you’re not sure where to find plants you like, don’t worry—you can consult our guide for the best places to buy plants and flowers online right here.
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2. Break New Ground
Grass is obviously common in backyards, but it can be a big job to maintain, especially in harsh climates. So, if you’re looking for something a little more interesting (and easier to care for), consider skipping the grass and instead opting for pebbles, stone pavers, or an interlocking deck. “Grass isn’t drought-tolerant, which may be one reason why it’s out of favor in California,” says Tierney, founder of design agency Wanderlust. She used white sea pebbles, as shown in the photo above, but you have limitless creative opportunity here. Choose small, light-colored stone to brighten up the space, or go for a rich, dark stone to bring in some contrast and depth.
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3. Fire It Up
Create a cozy spot for conversation and cocktails with a warm, welcoming fire pit. It’ll ground your seating arrangement, and provide an excellent space to unwind together. Wood-burning options are budget-friendly, whereas propane and gas fire pits are more of an investment, but make starting a fire as easy as flicking a switch. The best part about this feature is that you’ll likely use it from spring through fall, too, so you can rest easy that you’ll get a ton of use out of your investment.
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4. Take a Seat
To save space and make it easy to pull up a chair around the fire, provide chic individual seating options (like accent chairs or cozy loungers) in addition to outdoor sofas or loveseats. While the leather chairs in Tierney’s yard fit her desert theme, it’s important to note that you’ll have to bring them in and out of the house. Instead, Tierney suggests a fade- and water-resistant fabric, like Sunbrella, or rattan, which has a timeless look and comes in a range of prices.
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5. Play with Pattern
Pattern or color will always liven up a space, and make it feel personalized and stylish. A fun print (like the Shibori-inspired pattern in her poufs and pillows) sets the perfect tone for Tierney’s laid-back area, but you can choose any pattern that’s tailored to your personality. You can easily incorporate pattern and color on pieces like outdoor poufs (which can be used as extra seating or side tables), throw pillows, or outdoor rugs.
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By Hannah Baker | Photograph by Laure Joliet
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